Category: Scripture

From the Holy Bible

Encourage-Meet

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13828/day/10

I loved this devotional this morning, especially the humor and the way it enlightened me about some of the verses in Hebrews! I never heard them called the “lettuce patch” before, but that certainly seems appropriate. I wholeheartedly agree that meeting with other Christians is where we get out encouragement for daily living. But I would add that it also part of our responsibility to be there to encourage others ourselves. When we think we can add nothing to anyone’s day, just be aware that you don’t know what someone is going through and a simple smile and a word spoken in love may encourage them that someone just sees them. In a world where many are feeling invisible, let’s make a commitment to show others that they are seen by us and by a loving and merciful God. It seems impossible, or maybe just unlikely, that people would show up discouraged to a church meeting. I think you and I would both be surprised if we could see inside people’s heads and hearts. So, I will assume that all that I meet need some kind of encouragement: a hug, a touch, a word of heartfelt praise. It’s the small things that make a difference and encouragement may seem like a small thing, but when these same people go out into the world filled with roaring lions, that one small thing may help them keep their armor in place and ready to tackle the battles that rage all around them. Encourage-Meet! I like that word!

God’s Promises

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

One of the most important things we can do in order to prepare ourselves for daily challenges is to know what God has promised to us. We need to keep those promises close to our hearts, deep inside our souls, so that when we face battles against the enemy of our soul or face difficult decisions and don’t seem to know which way to go, God’s promises can sustain us. When you go to the refrigerator to get food, you open it , fully expecting the food you purchased to be there for you. When you need God to help you, you can fully expect Him to be there for you because you have planted the seeds of His Word deep into your heart. Memorizing Scripture is not an option in the world today. For me, it has become an absolute necessity! I find myself repeating verses or singing songs with verses in them just to tackle the day’s tasks and all of my physical challenges. God is there. He is not silent. He speaks to us through His Spirit and through His Word, the living and active Word that brought us to His throne of grace to begin with. God’s Word won’t be inside you when you need it if you don’t put it there. I have found that copying the verses that stir my heart or strike a chord within me helps me to memorize them. Whatever works for you, don’t fail yourself and leave yourself vulnerable to attacks…hide God’s promises in your heart so that when you need to remind yourself of them, they are right there.

Cling to God’s Promises

What do you think about?

The thoughts you fill your mind with are crucial because what you cling to influences your worldview.

If you choose to dwell on God’s promises, you start to recognize God’s blessings during uncertain times. Trusting that God will redeem your present pain equips you to walk forward in faith and keep on fighting.

Isaiah 12:2 reminds us that we belong to a God who is faithful to keep His promises. This God rescues us and fights for us. So when we belong to God, we have nothing to fear—all we need to do is cling to God and wait on Him to act.

So as you walk forward today, reflect on some of God’s promises, and let them transform the way you think:

God will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)

God’s peace will guard your heart. (Philippians 4:7)

God delights over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

God will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. (Psalm 32:8)

God is your refuge and strength, your help in times of need. (Psalm 46:1)

In all things, you are more than a conqueror because God loves you. (Romans 8:37)

God will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

God’s perfect love casts out all your fear. (1 John 4:18)

Nothing can separate you from God’s love. (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s not done with you. God’s not done with you. God’s not done with you. (Philippians 1:6)

Words of Faith, Not Fear

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

If you want to be a person of faith, then you have to declare that you believe. I am not saying that all will always go exactly as you hope, but your faith will take you through the deepest valley. God does not promise that we will not have troubles, but He does promise that He will be right there with us in all that we face. That is a promise we can count on!

The Power of Words

Words have power.
We use thousands of them every day to communicate. They help us share joy and sadness. They help us learn and grow. We use them to build each other up—or tear each other down…

And yet, we often underestimate the impact of our words.

Are you giving thought to the words you speak over yourself or about others daily? Are they words rooted in doubt, fear, and insecurity, or do they come from the truth, goodness, and security in God’s promises?
In Psalm 46:1, the Psalter makes a powerful declaration of God’s truth and promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

And this declaration leads to action in the next verse: “Therefore we will not fear” (verse 2).

Our declarations have the power to guide our actions. So what is it that you are declaring? Maybe today, you need the reminder to speak the truth of the words that come from God—your refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

As God’s child, you have been given freedom in Christ to choose and use words wisely (Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29).
So today, choose words of life. May your tongue be an instrument of blessing, as you declare what is true, pure, admirable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

God Is Always With Us

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

I had a pastor who spoke about God being always present and with us. He reminded us, just as I remind myself almost daily, that God never changes. So, he asked us, “If God seems distant from you, who do you think moved?” It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was the culprit when I felt that God was distant. I had busied myself with everyday tasks, not bad things but a lot of things and put God on a back burner. then a crisis would come up and I would call on God, frantically seeking His help and presence, but He would seem distant. Why? Because I had not established a firm relationship of calling on Him daily, praising Him, spending time with Him. God was still exactly where I had left Him and I was the one who needed to get closer. I am blessed to report that those were the days of my youth. I still have troubles, but I run to God first and tell Him exactly how I am feeling, even if it is that I need Him closer to me during my trials (especially physical ones these days). I know many of you can relate to what I am saying here, so if you feel that you are no longer as closer to God as you once were, ask yourself the question, “What can I do to get back to where I was before and even closer to my Maker?”

God Is with You

Have you ever asked God, “Where are you?”

Some days it can feel like you’re walking alone through life. It can seem like God is not present or with you. Or maybe it feels like He has deserted you in a difficult time.

The nation of Israel experienced many moments like this. They cried out to God in the midst of pain and exile. They were honest in their prayers to God—they told Him exactly how they felt in the midst of hardship.

In turn, God spoke to them through the prophets. He spoke words of comfort and hope. He reminded them of His promises, and that His character never changes.

While it can sometimes seem like God deserts us, we know from His promises that He is always with us. Through life’s loneliest times or most difficult seasons, God is right next to us. He walks through every season of life by our side.

Not only is He with us, but He also promises to strengthen us and help us in times of difficulty. When we feel like we’ve run out of strength to continue, God will provide His strength for us.

God will provide the help we need to keep living in His will. He doesn’t promise to give us strength to do whatever we want, but rather—He gives us courage and empowerment to continue walking according to His plans for our life.

So, in seasons of hardship when we feel like we’ve run empty, we should lean in to God’s promises and trust Him. We should trust that He will empower us and strengthen us for whatever we’re facing.

Take some time today to pray to God. If He feels distant, ask Him to be close to you. If you feel weak, ask Him to strengthen you. He promises to uphold you, so trust in His promises. Continue to build a relationship with God and seek His presence. As you do, you’ll find a renewed strength as you walk through life with Him.

Spend Time with God Daily

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

One way we can make sure that we spend time with God daily is to make our time with God a priority. I know from experience that once I get busy with the routines of my day, I fit God in eventually, but it is not quality time with my focus totally on Him as it should be. However, if I start my day with God, reading His Word and praying, then I am starting my day my giving God the “firstfruits” of my time for the day. I want God’s presence in my life, so I need to start my day in His presence. My Creator and Savior deserves no less than the first part of my day. Then, I have found, He is present with me for the rest of the day, just a prayer away because I invited Him in at the beginning of the day. Some want God’s presents, the gifts and favor He can bestow them. But a relationship with God works when you spend time with Him, letting Him know that He is important in your life, not a genie in a bottle that you call for when you need something. Let God be present in your life by being present in His presence every day. Like taking a vitamin, it won’t do you any good sitting on your shelf. You have to actually take it in and let it work inside your body. Likewise, you have to actually spend time getting to know God. He already knows you and wants you to know Him better.

The Presence of God

The writer of Psalm 27 is intentionally focusing on one of the most important aspects of our spiritual life. Throughout Scripture, we learn about the importance of the presence of God.

It is in the presence of God that we find strength and hope (Psalm 27:1). It’s also in God’s presence that our enemies lose their power over us (Psalm 27:2-3).

In Psalm 27:4 the writer of the Psalm expresses his desire to dwell within the house of the Lord, to gaze upon God’s beauty and be in His presence in the temple. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was primarily within the temple. But through spending time with God, the Psalmist found hope and restoration for his soul.

Thanks to Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple. His presence is now available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. We now have access to God’s presence at any time.

Just like the writer of the Psalm desired to dwell within God’s presence, we also should desire to be with God as much as possible. It is in God’s presence that we find hope, joy, beauty, and the restoration of our weary souls.

It is important that we spend time with God each and every day. We can do this through regularly reading Scripture and reflecting on what we read. We can also spend time in prayer, talking to God about what is happening in our life. Another way to spend time in God’s presence is to simply be aware that He is with you through your daily tasks each day.

Renewed Every Day

On By vickleaIn devotional, Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/16671/day/5

At my age, I sometimes have wondered if God can still use me, and if He chooses to do so, what in the world can I contribute with this feeble body. Today’s devotional and Scripture verses let me know that God uses willing people, no matter their age. The treasure we have is inside and ready to be shared, not on the outside that is slowly wasting away with age. I am blessed to know that God can and does use me to strengthen others in the body and to let others know that God is always good, always gracious and always there for us, even when our physical bodies are letting us down. This devotional today encouraged me and I hope it does the same for you.

What Encouragement Looks Like

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

In my devotionals this morning, I read first about David about to take the city of Jerusalem. He met opposition and ridicule from the Jebusites who were there.

Basically, they were saying even the blind and the lame could hold him off. The next verse is very telling about David’s faith.

Look at that word, “nevertheless.” In spite of the ridicule and bullying from the Jebusites, David took the city. He knew Who was going before him so he was not afraid, but rather bold and fearless. There weren’t encouragers in that Jebusite crowd, were there? David knew the Lord was with him and that was all the help he would need. He ignored the taunts of the Jebusites and went ahead and did what God had told him to do.

My next devotional was about encouragement and the scripture took me to the book of Job. I thought to myself as I read, “Why would the verses be from Job when his friends didn’t encourage him and he was sitting in a pile of ashes, miserable and basically waiting to die?” Then, God shed His light on the Word and showed me that Job had previously been an encourager to others. He was known for his encouragement. In fact, his “friend” Eliphaz is the one who speaks these words to him. Eliphaz lets us know what encouragement should look like even as he goes about discouraging and judging Job.

Job instructed, strengthened and held people up when they needed it. Now that he needs encouragement, it is not to be found in his so-called friends who are there more to judge him than to encourage. But Job’s steadfast encouragement of others is noteworthy because this is the kind of encouragement we should be giving to others every day. We instruct them in the ways of God and help them physically when they need help. Even if we are unable to help others physically because of our own limitations, we can use our words to help people not to stumble in their faith and to be firm in their faith.

Are you a Jebusite or a Job? I would prefer to be a Job, but I know that sometimes I slip into the role of a Jebusite, a naysayer who doesn’t have enough faith to believe that God can carry through with what He has promised. I pray to be more like Job, more of an encourager. After all, God is going to carry out His plans with our without me…I need to get on His side and be the encourager needed to help the plans move forward! How about you?

Encourage Others

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13828/day/3

Jesus went around encouraging others by His words and His actions. Can we do any less? If you are feeling discouraged, I urge you to pick yourself up and find someone who needs encouragement. In encouraging others, you yourself will be encouraged. I know this because I have done it. When I least feel like being upbeat and encouraging, if I will go ahead and say positive words and demonstrate positive actions, then I end up not only helping the other person but also myself.

Encourage Each Other

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

In today’s world in which sarcasm is applauded and putting others down is a way to make yourself feel bigger, we are called as Christians to be encouragers. We have to stay focused on the final goal, to be with Jesus in Heaven, and not on the earthly applause we would receive from fitting in with the crowd and doing as the majority does. When someone is doing a good job, tell them you appreciate them. When a fellow believer calls for help, don’t be like Job’s friends and decide that their problems are of their own making. Encourage them to go forward with the Lord, not to stay where they are. A pastor once told me, “There is no standing still with God. You are either moving forward or you are sliding backwards.” Let’s choose to help others move forward!

Live on Purpose

Without intentionality, people tend to drift—becoming complacent instead of motivated, lacking vision instead of leveraging purpose.

But for those of us in Christ, we’re called to something more than drifting our way through life.

The author of the book of Hebrews said it this way…

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Earlier in the chapter, we’re told that the old system of sacrifices couldn’t cut it. But Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—made a way once and for all.

Now, we have access to God’s presence, provision, and power forever.

And so the author encourages the reader to inspire their fellow believers. Let’s break down what they say:

– “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works…” It’s easy to slip into routines and patterns that, at the end of the day, don’t have eternal value. It’s easy to become numb, idle, and indifferent. But that’s not the way of Jesus! Let us use our God-given ingenuity to point each other back to Him. Let us be expectant for the opportunities—and even interruptions—that He places in our paths.

– “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do…” Gathering together as the body of Christ is a privilege—a privilege that not everyone around the world can do safely. We shouldn’t take community for granted. Life isn’t just about what we need, but also about being there for each other—to meet practical needs, to help each other grow spiritually, to pray and worship together, and to collectively invite God’s presence.

– “…but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Just as hundreds of prophecies were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the rest will come to fruition on the day of His return. Rest assured, He is coming back! So let’s encourage one another to stay focused. Let’s encourage one another to be ready.

With a little thought and intentionality, we can live on purpose.

Shine His Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Our tendency as a part of a population of people…our friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc…to try to fit in with others. So, as darkness covers the earth and the world becomes more corrupt, we have to remember that we are called to be different, to be the light that the world needs. When others say that abortion is just a medical procedure to take care of an unwanted pregnancy, the light within should loudly proclaim that abortion is murder. When the world is telling us that we need to accept the new morality, twenty or so genders and homosexuality is being normalized even in some church congregations, we need to shine the light of His truth. God created two genders, period. And He created man for woman and woman for man. His word calls homosexuality an abomination; it’s not an old-fashioned idea but rather truth from the Bible. If we don’t shine His light, then we are choosing to participate in the darkness. Jesus put His light into our hearts so that we could shine, so we must shine brightly, even as the world around us accepts more and more darkness. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…let it shine ’til Jesus comes.” Together, we are a beacon of light telling the world the truth about God’s Word and His standards that are for our good always.

The Greater Light

From the gentle morning sun rays that break through your window in the morning to the headlights that guide you on your way home at night, light is a constant presence.

Yet, there is a greater Light than any physical light we know…

In Isaiah 60:1, the prophet speaks of this greater Light. And his words are more than pretty poetry and a prophecy; they are a call to action, an encouragement for God’s people to find hope—Light, in the midst of darkness (Isaiah 59:9-10):
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1
This Light is a beacon of hope, the picture of salvation and spiritual awakening. This Light is the true Light, the Messiah—Jesus Christ. He is the light God’s people needed then (Isaiah 59:9-10), and He is the light our hearts desperately need today.
In a world that sometimes can feel like it’s drowning in darkness—disasters, wars, injustice, and suffering—Isaiah’s message is an invitation to embrace God’s true Light of salvation, revealed in the New Testament to be Jesus Christ. Let this light shine brightly within you, driving out the shadows of darkness and illuminating the path for those who don’t know this Light.

Pause for a moment. Imagine a world filled with the light of God’s love and truth. Can you imagine a world where the light of Christ shines from the windows of every home and down every street…

God wants to use you—yes, you—to shine His light.